2027: IPAC charges political parties on credibility, internal democracy
By Idun Maximus
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has charged political parties on credibility and internal democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
IPAC’s National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, gave the charge in his remarks at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) consultative meeting with the leaders of political parties at the commission’s national headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
The Council’s boss further enjoined political party leaders to utilise IPAC’s internal alternative dispute resolution mechanisms rather than resorting prematurely to the courts, which the Supreme Court of Nigeria has repeatedly affirmed lack jurisdiction over internal party leadership disputes.
His words: “The responsibility before us is enormous. Nigerians’ expectations for a better, stronger, and more prosperous democratic nation are exceedingly high. As the electoral umpire, INEC bears a profound constitutional duty.
“The Commission must remain independent, neutral, fair, firm, and decisive in conducting elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive. It must always provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, mindful that its integrity is tested each time citizens go to the polls.
“IPAC is aware of leadership disputes within some political parties and urges INEC to be guided strictly by the constitutions of the respective parties when addressing such matters, particularly concerning the leadership it recognises and publishes on its website.
“Such recognition confers legitimacy and determines the official leadership with which the commission engages. Adhering to this principle will dispel perceptions of bias, complicity, or interference in internal party affairs.
“It will also reduce the litigations that have disrupted party activities, prevented some parties from fielding candidates, and created uncertainty about their relevance and viability. This situation is detrimental to sustainable democracy and national development,” he said.
Speaking further, the IPAC boss said: “After 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, 66 years of independence, and over a century of political party development in Nigeria, as we approach the eighth general election under INEC’s supervision, we must resolve to get it right.
“There should be no excuse for elections that fall short of credibility, transparency, and public acceptability. We must collectively demonstrate faith in the democratic process and an unwavering commitment to making it work,” he said.
Accordingly, IPAC urges political parties to uphold internal democracy and strictly comply with their constitutional provisions in the nomination of candidates and changes in leadership. “There must be no room for the imposition of candidates or unlawful tenure elongation in violation of party constitutions. As party leaders, we must lead by example and uphold democratic values, ethics, and principles,” Dantalle said.
IPAC also called on the National Assembly to expedite action on harmonisation of the electoral legal framework for the forthcoming general election, as time is of the essence. IPAC had advocated for the real time transmission of the election results to the IReV portal to be mandatory.
“Citizens expect an improved electoral framework that restores trust and confidence in the democratic system — one in which every vote counts and the people’s mandate is respected. The sanctity of the ballot is the foundation of durable democracy, and we must defend it to preserve constitutional governance,” he said.
